Washington, DC, December 16, 2008 – The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) congratulates Arne Duncan on his nomination today to be the next U.S. Secretary of Education. President-elect Obama has chosen a strong partner to lead the U.S. Department of Education during this critical time when state and local leaders are beginning to implement the next generation of standards-based reforms needed to ensure that all students have access to a world class public education.
“CCSSO is pleased that the President-elect has selected a strong leader with extensive experience on the front lines and who understands the need for developing innovative solutions to public education's biggest challenges. Arne Duncan certainly fits that mold,” said CCSSO Executive Director Gene Wilhoit. “Arne has confronted the issues facing state chiefs, such as turning around underperforming schools, recruiting and retaining talented teachers, and raising the bar for all students. The chiefs look forward to collaborating with the new Secretary from 'day one' to address these and other important issues.”
In preparation for working with the new Secretary and the next Congress, CCSSO yesterday submitted recommendations to the President-elect's education policy transition team. The recommendations are focused on strategies for improving the state-federal partnership in four core areas: promoting state innovation and continuous improvement; strategically investing in state and local capacity building; accelerating change through an improved focus on teachers; and promoting better integration and coordination of federal child-focused programs.
“Chief state school officers share President-elect Obama’s belief that providing all students a world class education is critical to maintaining the nation's global economic leadership,” stated Wilhoit. “The chiefs stand ready to begin working immediately with the Secretary and the President-elect to achieve this vision."
The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks members’ consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.
